I wish that one prison could be made The University of Prison. A campus where all of the inmates would have won their place through academic merit just as in the world outside. At the moment, prisoners who are doing degrees are spread through the system and are often isolated on the inside and cut off from the intellectual community on the outside. There could be a staff of first-rate academics seconded from other universities; Jeremy Paxman, Germaine Greer or Ann Widdecombe as vice-chancellor. It would be the best university in the world; people would commit crimes just to get in. Too soft? Too liberal? Make it a closed prison, give everyone a good hiding once a month? There would be no need to impose a work regime. Oh come on, let's do it.

Ian Ashman, principal of Hackney College

The chancellor has done the sensible thing by taxing bankers' bonuses. Why not direct a share of the tax into keeping a bigger range of college courses? If it makes the banks happier, we could even narrow it down to supporting students on business and finance courses. "Bankers' tax diversifies the City workforce with Hackney-born bankers" – sounds a fair deal to me.

Glynis Kelly, senior tutor, Cornwall College

Anyone who works on the rollercoaster of FE finance knows that colleges are far more deserving than Swindon to be twinned with Walt Disney World. In our magic kingdom, the frontline staff perform a daily blend of circus, theatre and pantomime to fire the imaginations of even the most cynical learner. FE-Disneyland, where every child matters, where dreams really do come true.

Steven Wallis, head of engineering, manufacture and management at Hartlepool College of Further Education

FE is often viewed as the poor cousin to its school, sixth form and university relatives, yet it provides the gears that drive much of the educational engine. If you stacked the A4 certificates that represent the qualifications we award each year, the pile would be the height of a college and each one will tell a story: the ice-hockey player who broke his neck, battled back to fitness and came top of the class; the apprentice with a sweep of distinctions; the mature student who shakes away the nervousness of returning to education to star in the classroom. FE will continue to change lives; my wish is for stability rather than unnecessary change. Just let us get on with it. We know what we're doing; honestly we do!

Colin Hindmarch, principal, Harlow College

Colleges need honesty and transparency in relation to funding. We can't plan properly if we don't know what funding is coming and the strings attached to the money. On one hand, we are told that there is to be a 0.9% increase in funding for 16- to 19-year-olds, and on the other we are told that funders have been modelling cuts for FE over the next three years in the order of 7% each year, which could lead to the closure of up to 80 colleges – which is it?

Jennifer Gane, of Rickmansworth University of the Third Age

I would like to see greater ease of access to locally based basic IT courses aimed at seniors, at very little cost. Many people have missed out on the digital revolution of the last few years and are deprived of so much as a result. I do think that basic competency (documents, internet, email) is very liberating, and is great fun, and so many people are missing out. Many feel very daunted by "high-powered" courses and worry that they will be patronised for their lack of skill.

Joe Corrigan, academy manager, construction, South Essex College of Further & Higher Education

My wish for 2010 is establishing a credible curriculum to teach students zero-carbon construction and refurbishment methods. We're at the heart of the largest regeneration project in Europe, and the skills aren't there at the moment. If we're going to have any chance of all new homes being zero-carbon by 2016, then we need it on the curriculum now.

Angela Myers, education consultant

Wish 1: Getting rid of Ofsted grades. When is satisfactory not satisfactory? When it's an Ofsted grade. I wish Ofsted would just award a standard of satisfactory to recognise that a teacher is competent. The pervading culture sees "satisfactory" as mediocre or only average and this is not helping to improve teaching, or indeed our use of the English language.

Wish 2: A funded curriculum for the newly retired. People are living longer and some need help in gaining new skills or pursuing personal interests. Attendance would be voluntary and there would be no exams. The curriculum might include card games, computer literacy, using gadgets, fun ways to stay fit, managing money, things to do with the grandchildren, getting into voluntary work, ways to help save the planet. People not yet retired or unemployed could join in, too. It would initiate a whole new return to funded adult education and raise the profile of lifelong learning again.

Rosemary Clark, education consultant

My wish for FE in 2010 is that we get to see Ofsted demonstrate its inspirational leadership by transforming an inadequate college, undertaking all the management and teaching roles. Should be a breeze.

Caspar Walsh, wilderness educator

My wish: to make wilderness education a part of further education. The courses would be designed by wilderness experts, environmental scientists and artists and would be focused on improving our understanding of nature and its practical, intellectual and emotional importance in our lives. It would involve being away from screen and desk, out on moor and mountain. Funding would come from an all new, government-backed, national FE "eco education" budget. The ultimate aim? Greater awareness of the impact we all have on the planet and, ultimately, ourselves.

• Caspar Walsh is artistic director of the Write to Freedom educational programme